Player of the Week - Manny Malhotra

For all the regular and mundane things that happen in the world of sports on a daily basis, it would be easy for an overtime-winning goal to get lost in the shuffle. But when that OT winner is the exclamation point to an incredible comeback story, one that many people in the world of hockey weren’t sure would ever happen (except maybe the guy who scored the goal), you can’t help but take notice. On Tuesday night, Manny Malhotra enjoyed one of those special moments. And with all the circumstances and obstacles that he has overcome in recent years, you just know that goal was more than just a regular-season overtime goal – albeit the winner that capped off a late comeback win for his team. It was also emphatic proof to himself, his Hurricanes teammates and the entire NHL community that he is still a capable and valuable NHL player.

Respected among his fellow NHLPA members, Manny was involved in meetings and bargaining sessions before and during last season’s lockout. After battling a significant eye injury over the past few seasons, Manny started the 2013-14 season in the AHL with Charlotte. In just his third game back in the NHL, Malhotra made his mark on his new team Following teammate Jordan Staal’s goal that forced overtime with less than a minute to play, Malhotra made a strong play in the middle of the ice early in overtime and, as a result, was sprung on a breakaway by teammate Ron Hainsey. With two Flyers players on his heels, Malhotra made a move to his backhand and slipped the puck past Steve Mason for the OT winner.

With the goal, Malhotra not only rewarded the Hurricanes for giving him the chance to prove himself as an NHL player again, but also showed that he is still a legitimate NHL player. Congrats to Manny on his OT winner and for his perseverance to fight to reclaim his career, on his terms.

" Congrats to... NHL veteran Manny Malhotra on his game winner and 1st of the season for the @NHLCanes tonight #warrior" Well deserved #22

 Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada on May 18, 1980
 Drafted in the 1st round, 7th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft
 Played his junior hockey with the Guelph Storm of the OHL, captaining the team to the 1998 Memorial Cup
 Captured a bronze medal at the 2000 IIHF World Junior’s, representing Canada
 Has suited up with 6 NHL clubs in his career: New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks & Carolina Hurricanes